Monika Herzig Acoustic Project

Monika Herzig is a native to Bloomington, IN where she received her Doctorate in Music Education and Jazz Studies at Indiana University and now works for IU. This would be the fourth album by Monika Herzig Acoustic Project under Acme Records in Bloomington. The title of the album was inspired by Pulitzer Prize nominated writer/poet, Norbert Krapf, whom Monika has performed with numerous times.

Musicians performing on Monika's new album include: Monkia Herzig on piano, Carolyn Dutton on violin, Peter Kienle on guitar, Frank Smith on bass, Jeremy Allen on bass, Kenny Phelps on drums, and Pete Wilhoit on drums. The album contains original jazz recordings written by Monika Herzig and also renditions of classic songs by legendary artists. The songs and artists were chosen by Monika because of her love for them. The songs and artists included are: "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" by Bob Dylan, "Hey Jude" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, "Imagine" by John Lennon, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Paul Simon, "Night and Day" by Cole Porter, and "Groovin' High" by Dizzy Gillespie. Monika said that she and the rest of her band members put a whole new twist on each song. Monika and her group wanted the songs to sound nothing like other covered versions, it was to be completely original-their own. I would have to say Monika Herzig and her Acoustic Project accomplished that because I have never heard versions of these classic songs done quite like this. The twist is definitely there, like Monika said, and very pleasing to hear. The whole album is very well done and recorded in a very professional manner with immense jazz sound pouring out. Monika proves on this album that she has written instant classics of her own right. If you like good-sounding, well-recorded, laid-back, mellow jazz tunes, then you should check out Monika Herzig Acoustic Project's What Have You Gone And Done. You won't regret it and you will want to know what Monika Herzig has gone and done with this new album, I listened and found out the answer. Take a listen and you might too. To purchase the new album, check out CDBaby.com or for any other questions, information or to contact Monika, check out www.monikaherzig.com, www.acmerecords.com (812-334-3022), and mherzig@indiana.edu.

*Herzig's Accomplishments*

-1994-1996 two-times second place and one-time winner at WTPI Winter Jazzfest

-1997 Downbeat Award for "Best Original Song"

-2000, 2004, 2006 Individual Artist Grant, Indiana Arts Commission

-1999 to present: featured artist at Indy Jazz Fest

-1997 to present: annual tour of Germany

-Releases: Melody Without Words (2000), Melody With Harmony (2003), In YourOwn Sweet Voice (2005), and What Have You Gone and Done (2007)

-Played with former group, BeebleBrox opening for such acts as: Tower of Power, Santana, Yes, Sting, and many more.